If you know me IRL, you know that I am slightly obsessed with Fitbit fitness trackers. Every day I try to hit at least 10K steps, I check my sleeping stats religiously, and get into somewhat heated stepping competitions with friends and family on the app. But as far as obsessions go, this one has helped me get off the couch, become more fit, and yes, lose weight.

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My first Fitbit tracker was Fitbit Alta, I loved its sleek design and how inconspicuous it was. I could stack a few bracelets around it to dress it up, or wear it as-is and not feel like I had a fitness tracker on – it was pretty perfect. Then, a few months ago I tried Fitbit Charge 2, and with this tracker I could also monitor my heart rate, helping me get a more precise reading of my daily calorie burn, and helping me track exercise better.

But while I loved the functionality and features of Charge 2 (Guided Breathing Sessions were a huge bonus!), with its wider screen and band I found myself missing my thinner tracker. What I really wanted was to wear my Alta, but with all of the benefits of heart rate readings too. Well, my prayers have been answered with the new and improved Fitbit Alta HR – it still offers the same stylish design, but this time with a PurePulse Heart Rate monitor built-in, so I can track low-step exercise like Barre better, keep an eye on my resting heart rate changes, and get a better overall understanding of my fitness level.

These days my Fitbit Alta HR is on my wrist every single day – from work to sleep and everything in between, and I truly can’t imagine how I ever functioned without it. It made me a more active person, and it fits my personal style – what more can you ask for?

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’ve been obsessed with this Drake’s for J.Crew pajama outfit for a while now, so, of course, as soon as the collection landed in stores, I snapped it up. And while most people wouldn’t consider wearing silk pajamas to a fancy party, I wore mine to the Nordstrom Eaton Centre store opening, and spent the night saying “thank you”, because this outfit was a huge hit. Props to J.Crew for making a comfy outfit look and feel so exquisite.

But enough about my amazing PJs, let’s talk about Nordstrom! That store is a joy to shop in, and I’m really excited about its arrival in Toronto (they carry Madewell, y’all!). With a stunning shoe department full of both high-end and more affordable designer names, several fancy boutiques like Miu Miu and Loewe, a monogramming station (something I’ll surely be using come Christmas shopping season), an Alexander Wang shop-in-shop, and my new obsession – Sugarfina candy (the Jamaican Rum Snowballs are thebomb.com), this store has become my must-visit in the city, and pretty soon, there’s going to be a second location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre!

If you’d like to celebrate the opening of Nordstrom’s second Toronto location, make sure to grab your tickets before they sell out! The Nordstrom Yorkdale Shopping Centre Gala will take place on October 19th at 7pm, and gala proceeds will be donated to several charitable foundations. More details can be found here. See you there?

When I attended the J.Crew Fall 2016 show during NYFW last season, there were many things I walked away coveting. One of those things was a tiger-printed silk shirt/pants combo of my dreams. One may call it pajamas, but to me, it’s an actual outfit that should be worn outside of the bedroom, preferably with a statement necklace and a pair of chic heels (or maybe Gucci loafers, if you want to be 100% comfy). Well, tomorrow’s my lucky day, because the Drake’s for J.Crew collection launches on August 16th (that’s tomorrow!), and THAT “pajama set” will be available too.

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Drake’s archival prints were used and customized on J.Crew designs to create a first-ever Drake’s collection for women. The collection will consist of 8 styles across 4 categories, ranging in price from $78.50 CAD to $259 CAD, and made from 100% silk. And while getting the entire set may be a bit pricey, I think I simply have to have this top – the catlady in me demands it.

What do you think of Drake’s for J.Crew collection? Will you be adding any of the pieces to your shopping cart? Share in the comments.Photo Credits: J.Crew

Even before previewing the J.Crew Fall 2016 presentation at Spring Studios, I knew that my day was off to a great start. As I walked out of the elevator, I nearly stumbled right into Anna Wintour in her signature shades and a leopard coat. Greeted by Jenna Lyons and Somsack Sikhounmuong, J.Crew’s new head of women’s design (and a fellow Canadian!), Anna walked through the room spending some time to explore the collection. After a few minutes of star-struck stupor, I finally looked up at the row of beautiful models, and promptly fell in love with the entire collection – menswear and womenswear combined.

There was just so much to love – plush faux fur coats in cotton candy pink and dove grey, Anna-worthy leopard print pieces, coolest strappy shoes, colourful culottes, pajamas styled as daywear, a mirepoix of prints, bold toppers, and so much more. Unsurprisingly, it was all impeccably-styled, with chic neck scarves, artful layering, and braided ponytails. I spent a crazy amount of time looking at each outfit, but when I inevitably came back to take another look at my favourites, I would notice more cool details that I had somehow missed earlier. On top of it, thanks to one of the coldest winter days in New York, I really wanted to borrow a few of the cozy cable-knit sweaters and a fluffy coat or two and wear it all right then and there.

Needless to say, I adored J.Crew Fall 2016 collection and will certainly be on the lookout for my favourite pieces next fall. What do you think of this collection? Share in the comments!

“The advantage of having been with J.Crew for more than 15 years is knowing what feels right/what doesn’t, what is natural to J.Crew versus what feels unnatural…striking the right balance between what is new and what is timeless. Designing the collection almost feels instinctual.” — Somsack Sikhounmuong, women’s design team

“This season we focused on the inherent DNA of J.Crew with an emphasis on reinvigorating time honored classics with a modern, whimsical twist. Unexpected colors in traditional men’s tailoring – the playful mash-up of vibrant prints – the embracing of pleated pants and wide wale cord. Those are some of my most favorite moments in the collection. In addition, this season will be Somsack’s first in his new position as head of women’s design. Having Somsack back on the team has been like rereading your favorite book and discovering all over again the reasons you loved it the first time. He brings a fresh and spirited take to the women’s collection with a deep understanding of its core tenants. Most importantly – the magic is in the mix.”— Jenna Lyons, creative director and president

It seems Black Friday sales are now officially a thing in Canada…and I don’t mind one bit! Who wouldn’t like to buy holiday gifts for everyone on their list at sweet discounts?! This year, I’ve put together a list of promotions at some of my fave retailers, starting with all the deals leading up to Black Friday, and ending with those awesome Cyber Monday discounts. I’ll be updating this post as more sales and promo codes are announced, so bookmark it for easy access.

Hudson’s Bay On Friday, all stores will open at 7 AM (except Queen Street, Toronto, which will open at 6 AM). The first 200 customers in each store on Friday will get a Savings Card for $20 off any purchase over $100. On Saturday before noon, you can save an extra 15% on almost anything when you pay with your Hudson’s Bay MasterCard or Hudson’s Bay Credit Card. Additional $25 off purchases over $175 on Cyber Monday. Promo Code CYBER

Christmas is just a week away, but if you still haven’t finished (or start) your gift shopping, don’t panic. You can still come out of this alive and victorious without having to resort to those impersonal gift cards, I promise you. All you need to do is pick up a few of these last-minute gifts that don’t suck, and you’re all set. Extra points for personalizing your gifts with special monograms, but if you’re reading this and it’s Christmas eve, then don’t worry, even sans personalization, these are the gifts that anyone would be happy to open come Christmas morning. Here we go!

1. Touchscreen Gloves

With the prevalence of smartphones and other smart touchscreen devices, regular gloves just don’t cut it anymore. If your giftee lives in a climate with cold (and long) winters and is never seen without his/her phone, then touchscreengloves are a perfect gift for them. Pick up a luxuriouspair that goes with everything, and you’re all set!

2. Pajamas

I know, I know…pajamas sound kind of boring, but come on…who doesn’t love a new pair of PJs come Christmas morning?! Anything that’s a little fancier than your usual sleepwear will do – Gap and J.Crew do awesomesleep sets, and LaineyGossip just released a super cute line over at eLUXE. Bonus points for luxurious fabrics like silk, personalized monograms, and a pair of cozy slippers to go with those PJs. If you know your giftee’s taste and size to a tee, then a little something special from Agent Provocateur or La Perla would certainly be a hit. And I’m not talking lingerie either, a fancy robe or a silky slip are little luxuries that anyone would appreciate.

Last but certainly not least, cashmere is a perfect last-minute gift that people on your list would absolutely adore. We don’t always get the little luxuries for ourselves, so it’s extra nice to receive such a treat for Christmas (or whenever, really). Whether it’s a luxurious sweater, a soft scarf, a pair of cashmere-lined gloves, or a cozy throw – one can never have too much cashmere in their life.

And there you have it, last-minute holiday gifts that don’t suck. Do you agree? Would you be happy to be on the receiving end of these? Share your last-minute gift ideas in the comments!

Well, starting today, the 13-piece Sophia Webster for J.Crew collection is available online in all its graphic and colourful glory. With prices ranging from $320 to $695, these shoes may not be the cheapest around, but they are certainly worth the splurge. Any pair from this collab would spice up even the boringest of outfits, adding spring to your step.

Toronto Fashion Week officially starts this week, and that means long days, sleepless nights, and lots of “nothing to wear” moments, which is why I am so happy to have this awesome Ann Taylor coat to save me from closet indecision. The print is perfect for spring, and all I have to do is throw this coat over almost anything for an instant touch of polish. Looking put together has never been this easy.

Also, I apologize in advance if I’m MIA for the next few days. Should be back to normal after fashion week.

Whenever someone asks me to describe my style, the word tomboy always comes to mind. I’ve never been a girlie girl, and even though I do love to wear dresses, the way I wear them is never polished and refined, but a little messy and imperfect…and that’s what makes those looks “me”. This time around, however, I found it really hard to look messy in this perfectly ladylike Pink Tartan python print full skirt. The fun colour, paired with the flattering shape is an easy-to-follow recipe for refinement, just like most of Kimberly Newport-Mimran’s pieces. But something about this one in particular called my name. Maybe it’s the age thing…growing up and being drawn to more grown-up pieces, or maybe I just really loved this skirt. Either way, I’ll be wearing this one a lot this spring…topped with my trusty moto jacket. I have to toughen it up somehow!

The photo above pretty much sums up my feelings about The O.C. – the place, not the TV show. On our 4th day in California, we once again packed into a bus – this time a Lux one (with hardwood floors and electrical outlets!), and headed out to experience Orange County!

Our first stop – Fashion Island. If I ever had to be stuck at an island, I would want it to be FashionIsland. With stores like Jonathan Adler, Kitson, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and so many more, we really had to hustle in order to shop our favourites in one hour, but we managed. I helped le bf pick up a couple of new pairs of jeans, while I got some cute knick-knacks from Kitson. And we still snuck in some time to take a million photos by the tiny Eiffel Tower replica – how’s that for efficient shopping?

After our whirlwind shopping expedition, we headed to Dana Wharf for some R&R on a luxury catamaran, where we sampled delicious wines from The Organic Cellar. It was a perfect, (slightly) boozy afternoon in the beautiful Dana Point Harbor, complete with sea lion sightings and wind-blown hair. I felt like Beyonce.

After the wine cruise, we headed to Doheny Beach to end our night with a bonfire cookout, but not before stopping by to admire the Elephant Parade at Dana Point. Dozens of painted baby-sized elephant statues were on display to create public awareness and support for the cause of elephant conservation.

WHAT I WORE

WHO IS NELIA?

Nelia Belkova is a Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blogger by night and a financial analyst by day. She loves to travel, read gossip sites, eat sweets, and cuddle up to her husband and her cat on the couch. Read More…